Top 250 Expo: Defensive Standouts
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At the Top 250 Expo, a lot of players stood out on the offensive end, but only a few really stood out on the defensive end. Many players put up some lofty numbers, but not when these defensive players were…
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Continue ReadingAt the Top 250 Expo, a lot of players stood out on the offensive end, but only a few really stood out on the defensive end. Many players put up some lofty numbers, but not when these defensive players were putting the pressure on. In this article, we look at the players who stood out on the defensive end. These players blocked shots, they were great on-ball defenders, and some were great on the help side. These players put the clamps down on the defensive end and were the standout defenders at the Top 250 Expo.
Kiarra Orphelia Kiarra Orphelia 5’5″ | PG Monteverde | 2025 State FL played lights out on defense and really showed a high basketball ball IQ on the defensive end. She forced elite players to use their weak hand and with great quickness and speed. Orphelia literally just halted teams from getting set, overwhelming the ball handler with her aggressive defensive play. She was one of the most athletic players in the building with great speed, quickness, and superior lateral movement, along with an unbelievable vertical jump. Combine all of these attributes with her basketball IQ and you get an amazing defensive player. She stood out on defense and used her defense to stand out on offense.
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Kalese Salter Kalese Salter 5’4″ | PG Tampa Bay Tech | 2025 State FL played very well on defense and her on-ball defense was on point. She aggravated one team so badly that they started setting picks just to separate her from the ball handler. Salter had some nice steals and turned them into layups. Salter is a smart defender and she uses her speed and quickness to create an advantage on the offense and defensive side of the ball. All day she was salty with the defense and was one of the best on ball defenders in the building.
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Alaysha Williams Alaysha Williams 5’6″ | SG Ed White | 2025 State FL really got after it on the defensive end at the Expo. She was super aggressive guarding the ball and used her quickness to her advantage. She constantly beat the ball handle to the spot and forced them to pick up their dribble.. Williams also played aggressive help-side defense and if her teammates were giving up a drive, Williams was there to stop the drive and force a kickout. Williams was a ball of energy all over the court. She dove on the floor to secure loose balls. Williams also did a good job of turning steals into scores on layups, assists, and even knocked down some threes after creating steals and setting up for the jumper.
Salyse Dillihay Salyse Dillihay 5’7″ | CG Atlantic Coast | 2024 State FL Really stood out on the defensive end, defending opponents the full length of the court. Diihay also was good on help-side defense. On several occasions, she stole the ball from an opponent unexpectedly and went coast to coast for the layup. Dillihay used her quickness and speed to put pressure on the ball handler. She also did a good job of getting deflections and playing in the passing lanes.
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Skye Thompson Skye Thompson 5’10” | PF New River | 2026 State FL was one of the best defenders at the Expo. She was strong in the painted area and went about her business in a quiet manner. In addition to being physical in the paint against some elite ballers, Thompson also demonstrated some very quick hands. She deflected and denied a lot of entry passes that were thrown to the post. A few times, Thompson camped in the lane and ball handlers just settled for the jump-shots, wanting no part of Thompson. She also did an excellent job of advancing the ball after steals and rebounds. On the offensive end, Thompson connected on a few midrange jump shots, but it was her defense that really stood out. The “Skye” is the limit for this young player.
Maleeya Brammer Maleeya Brammer 6’1″ | PF Gulf Breeze | 2026 State FL played well and was all around the ball. She was physical in the paint and had no problem putting her body on somebody. Brammer also showed a lot of versatility on defense, defending guards and wings on the perimeter. Her offside defense was great and she rejected any shot attempted in the paint. She had strong hands and once she got them on the ball, it was hers.